The northern barrage, Mine force, United States Atlantic fleet, the North Sea, 1918

r^

NORTHEEN
BARRAGE

MINE FORCE
19 18

*-1'

nr H F
NORTHERN
BARRAGE

MINE FORCE

UNITED STATES
ATLANTIC FLEET

THE NORTH SEA 1918

Edited by All Hands

Published by

The U. S. Naval Institute

Annapolis, Md.

1919

j3 5^c|

UbWb

Copyright, 1919, by

J. W. CONROY

Trustee for U. S. Naval Institute

BALTIMORE, MD., U. S. A.

^ "^A

^^

^

This Book

is a record of the work and play

of the

Mine Force
United States Atlantic Fleet

during the

War against Germany

This Force operating in the North Sea, June
to November 1918, laid the greatest number and
completed the most extensive barrage of mines
since the dawn of warfare to the present day,
and lives to tell the

TALE.

// you like it, blow us up;

If it's a Dud, it's the first we've had.

The Committee

M120207

To

OUR ESCORT

The Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla

GRAND FLEET

This Book is Dedicated

Brothers in blood, these years have formed

A yet more binding tie,
The bond of those who facing death,

Were not afraid to die.

To us, those days in which we strove

To rid the seas of wrong.
Have made of you, our comrades then,

A memory doubly strong.

And so your younger brothers here.

With pencil, ink and pen,
To their poor best have tried to tell

A living tale of men.

To you, without whose guarding eye.
Our work had scarce been done,

We dedicate this record of
The strafing of the Hun.

(5)

(6)

THE MINE FORCE

REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH STRAUSS, U. S. N., Commander

FLAGSHIP

U. S. S. BLACK HAWK, Captain R. C. Bulmer, U. S. N.

Base 17, Invergordon; Base 18, Inverness
Scotland

MINE SQUADRON ONE

CAPTAIN R. R. BELKNAP, U. S. N., Commander

FLAGSHIP

U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO, Captain H. r. Butler. U. S. N.

U. S. S. ROANOKE U. S. S. SHAWMUT

Captain C. D. Stearns, U. S. N. Captain W. T. Clwverius, U. S. N.

U S. S. BALTIMORE U. S. S CANONICUS

Captain A. W. Marshall, U. S. N. Captain T. L. Johnson, U. S. N.

U. S. S. AROOSTOOK U. S. S. HOUSATONIC

Captain J. H. Tomb, U. S. N. Captain J. IV. Greenslade, U. S. N.

U. S. S. SARANAC U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA

Captain Sinclair Gannon, U. S. N. Captain fV. H. Reynolds, U. S. N.

U. S. S. QUINNEBAUG

Commander D. Pratt Mannix, U. S. N.

U. S. S. PATAPSCO U. S. S. PATUXENT

Lieut. W. E. Benson, U. S. N. Lieut. J. B. Hupp, U. S. N.

(7)

UNITED STATES ATLANTIC FLEET
FLAGSHIP OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

London, September 28, 19 18
My dear Strauss:

I feel sure that you are to be congratulated on the
way things are going in your force and upon the loyal
co-operation, zeal, and good work of the force both
ashore and afloat. Organization, system, and efficiency
were apparent and have been shown by the work accom-
plished.

Congratulations and best wishes to you all.

Yours sincerely,

H. T. Mayo

(8)

REAR ADMIRAL JOSEPH STRAUSS, U. S. N.

Commander Mine Force

United States Atlantic Fleet

U. S. Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

(9)

MoY Hall, Inverness,

20th November, 191 8.

My dear Commodore:

You left me fairly aghast by the way you received
and entertained me on board " San Francisco " on the
1 8th Nov. I can only assure you and all those officers
and ship's company you have conferred a very great
honour on the county which I represent and which it will
always be my duty, as it is a pleasure, to make known.

Ever since the U. S. Squadron has been stationed in
northern waters, you have all gained the esteem and
affection of those you have come in contact with, and
to your professional and technical skill and true sea-
man-like spirit there is but one opinion.

This war, if it has brought sore trials and losses, has
been of the very greatest service in bringing our re-
spective countries together, and it has fairly opened the
eyes of other nations to what can be done by us thereby.

Believe me, my dear Commodore,

Yours sincerely,

A. Mackintosh,
of MacKintosh,
Lord Lieutenant of Invernessshire.

To:

Commodore R. Belknap, U. S. N.,
U. S. S. San Francisco.

(10)

CAPTAIN R. R. BELKNAP, U. S. N.
Commander Mine Squadron One

(11)

U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO

Flagship

Mine Squadron One

(12)

Sta n d i n g -

SQUADRON CAPTAINS
TOMB GREENSLADE GANNON REYNOLDS MANNIX

CLUVERIUS STEARNS

BELKNAP

BUTLER

MARSHALL

(13)

THE FENCE ACROSS THE NORTH SEA

At the outbreak of the war the United States proposed to the Allies the construc-
tion of a Mine Barrage completely across the North Sea to limit the activities of the
U-Boats which were devastating the shipping of the world.

The Allies said " Fine " and told us to do it.

This enormous undertaking, without precedent, was begun by perfecting an
anchored mine, good for any depth and fitted with a new and positive form of firing
mechanism. Each mine contained three hundred pounds of T. N. T., the most powerful
explosive known. The first order placed was for one hundred thousand such mines,
and this was shortly afterwards increased.

The Mine Force of the Atlantic Fleet at this time consisted of the San Francisco,
the Baltimore, the Dubuque, and four Fleet tugs. This Force was expanded at once by
securing four large ships from the Southern Pacific Company, two from the Old
Dominion Line, and two from the Eastern Steamship Corporation. To these were
added the Black Haivk, a Grace Line steamer, which became one of the most up-to-date
repair ships of the American Fleet. These vessels were converted into planters during
the early spring of 191 8 and were constituted into Mine Squadron One and placed
under the command of Captain R. R. Belknap, U. S. Navy. The total capacity of the
Squadron was six thousand mines for a single planting. There were also obtained
twelve steamers for Mine Carriers to maintain the overseas supply.

Meanwhile, a base at Inverness, Scotland, and another at Invergordon, Scotland,
were established with an American naval personnel of one thousand officers and men
each, and Rear Admiral Joseph Strauss, U. S. Navy, was assigned to the command of

(14)

the entire Force ashore and afloat, comprising seven thousand men. These bases were
ready when Mine Squadron One arrived in enemy waters and mining operations were
at once begun, in June.

The planters proceeded from the bases under escort of a flotilla of British destroy-
ers and, when working on the mine field, were screened by a force of battleships, battle
cruisers, and light cruisers from the Grand Fleet. In thick weather or clear, night and
day, the work went on without a hitch.

Operations continued until the last of October and, before the Armistice was
signed, a complete barrage of these powerful mines, two hundred miles long and thirty
miles wide, laid at varying depths, had been stretched across the North Sea from
Norway to the Orkney Islands. This barrier accounted directly for many of the
Hun boats even before completed and its moral effect was invaluable.

After the Armistice was signed, plans were made for joint sweeping operations
with the British service and a number of men from the Mine Force were assembled
at the Inverness base ready to begin operations in the early spring of 191 9.

On the 30th of November Mine Squadron One sailed from the bases for home.
The next day the Squadron passed in review through a large detachment of the Grand
Fleet in Scapa Flow, a naval base in the Orkney Islands. Here were interned the ships
of the German High Seas Fleet which were surrendered when hostilities ceased. The
cheering between the American and British ships as the Squadron steamed down the
lines was deafening and was a marked contrast to the complete silence maintained as
our ships passed through the enemy fleet — surrendered without firing a shot!

This occasion was a fitting termination of the operations of the Mine Force in
the war zone. It had done its share and the work accomplished was no mean contribu-
tion toward the establishment of a righteous peace.

Passing through the Grand Fleet at Scapa

(15)

Here is the Barrage itself.

The large central area was assigned to the American
Squadron; the area to its left, to the British; and the one
adjacent to the Norwegian coast was mined in conjunc-
tion. We have fields in all areas.

Each black field represents the planting of a single
excursion of our Squadron, and the average length is
fifty miles by two thousand yards wide.

The hatched fields were laid by the British.

(16)

THE BARRAGE

(17)

U. S. S. AROOSTOOK
Was formerly " S. S. Bunker Hill," Eastern Steamship Corporation

(18)

Officers

Chief Petty Officers

(19)

A Group

Officers and Crew

(20)

Ready

(21)

Kappa

(22)

Fue

' '^^ JoH

Sub Sighted

(23)

U. S. S. BALTIMORE
Was formerly a Cruiser, North Atlantic Squadron

Captain

(24)

Inspection

(25)

Sub Attack 21 September, '18

(26)

Halifax

The Shawmut's Captain Calls

Standing Room Only

The Fourth in a British Port

A Procession

(27)

British IVIine Squadron

The Liberty Drifter

Rigging Out the Fish

All the Hun Left of One Merchantman
(28)

Fune
Lake Moor

Men

oy the Mme Force In
European Waters

Burial of the Lake Moor Men

(29)

U. S. S. BLACK HAWK
Was formerly " S. S. Santa Catalina," Grace Steamship Company

(30)

^^'■."(^ THBP^ i

#

•

^ 1

L?!^^^B^S

4

W f 'f

^ ^ ^

m H. ^-

,,.-=.- •■■'■'^^'^ " '

.«^^ tB"

#

^^^.. ■'r^\- r/^^' •^^'Si'^^"'^^'^^" ■^^' '

-^^.''> V 1\ If 1'

P^ •--

'^0 .~£°->-r'WP-J,IMJpi»L

■ir-

' ■" 1 '^■1^^™— -"P

Officers

Chief Petty Officers

(31)

Nuff Sjid

Liberty Party at Inverness

(32)

The Islands, Inverness

Lovers' Lane, Inverness

(33)

U. S. S. CANANDAIGUA
Was formerly " S. S. El Siglo," Southern Pacific Company

(34)

Officers

Extremes

Cromarty Firth

(35)

OFFICERS AND CREW

(36)

Beauly Basin

Chanonry Point

A Summer Day in the North Sea

(37)

U. S. S. CANONICUS
Was formerly " S. S. El Cid," Southern Pacific Company

(38)

OFFICERS AND CREW

(39)

Sky Guns

Squadron Commander Addressing Crew

(40)

3-Inch Gun's Crew

Jl

I

Squadron Champions

(41)

U. S. S. HOUSATONIC
Was formerly " S. S. El Rio," Southern Pacific Company

(42)

Seaman Guard

(43)

Eighth Division

Fifth Division

Group of Crew

(44)

U. S. S. Housatonic

The Blue Gig

Embarl^mg

(45)

U. S. S. QUINNEBAUG
Was formerly " S. S. Jefferson," Old Dominion Line

(46)

OFFICERS AND CREW

(47)

Changing Formation

14 July

Mk

4

m m M^

At Home

An Excursion

(48)

(49)

U. S. S. ROANOKE
Was formerly " S. S. El Dia," Southern Pacific Company

(50)

^^

OFFICERS AND CREW

(51)

Water

Becev

W'in9

^P'os/'on

(52)

stowed

The Fish

(53)

U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO

was formerly
A Cruiser, North Atlantic Squadron

(54)

Commander Mine Squadron One and Staff

Commander Mine Force and Group

(55)

The Team

Squadron Band

(56)

OFFICERS AND CREW

(57)

In Dock at Invergordon

(58)

_4vVr

The Commodore's Barge

4 July, 1918, Inverness

A Main Deck Load

British Squadron Ahead
(59)

U. S. S. SARANAC
Was formerly " S. S. Hamilton," Old Dominion Line

(60)

The Bridge

Officers

Chief Petty Officers

(61)

%

.' fT^

f 5

,^<

%t1

The Anchor Down

f

-VJ

■ ./ r.

(62)

j*»,ae_ ■"»*»■ '

Over She Goes

"^' »

v^ f^^^'^,^.:f f :

'^f '■*'■' ^'

-^iiP^"

(63)

^^"r^x^yr^

Division Groups

(64)

Embarking Mines

The Port Light or Forward

Life Rafts

The Anti-Air Craft Guns
(65)

U. S. S. SHAWMUT
Was formerly " S. S. Massachusetts," Eastern Steamship Corporation

(66)

Officers

Officers and Crew

(67)

The Nine

At Munlochy

(68)

ir.r.e Contact — Vampire Making Smoke Screen

Arrival Over There

Fueling at Sea

(69)

U. S. S. PATAPSCO
Force Tug

(70)

Officers

^\^-^

*?Jk5*-^«j&m^

■ , - ...^^> -^*"^ --V^"- .., .^N-

Officers and Grew

(71)

U. S. S. PATUXENT

FORCE TUG

(72)

Strathpeffer

On the River Ness

Inverness

Rosehaugh, Avoch

(73)

U. S. NAVAL BASE 17

INVERGORDON

SCOTLAND

HEADQUARTERS

(74)

At the Base

(75)

Football Squad

Fire Engine

Freight Yard

(76)

' 't^^mm^sammisisf*i»^^3m-v':-3:;s'^

The Flag at Kyle

A Party at Kyle

^^''"''Ml. ,

'W '"* V "^'^ ''^' '• (* ^''^" '^ '^'

N! "< V^'/i;'

^-K^^

At Kyle of Lochalsh

(77)

Ready

Loading Pier

Mine Sheds

Oil Tanks, invergordon

Lighters, Invergordon

(78)

Dalmore House — Officers' Quarters

A Scotch-American

Alness River, Base 17

At Base Seventeen

(79)

U. S. NAVAL BASE 18

INVERNESS

SCOTLAND

GENERAL VIEW

(80)

ADMIRAL MAYO
Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet
With Commander Mine Force

Commander Mine Force and Staff
(81)

Officers

^f^ ^-

Division H

:^%,

(82)

Cranes

Test Rails for Anc

In Transit to Lighters

A Corner of Mines

One of Many

(83)

Ben Nevis from Corpach

Corpach Detail

View from Kessock Landing, Inverness

(84)

An Early Season Line-up

"SOMEWHERE IN SCOTLAND"
The Mine Force Show which Made a Big Hit in London

(85)

In the Lighters

The Sick Bay

Egg Baskets

The Barracks

(86)

The First Flag in Scotland
9 February, 1918

Discharging to the Base

Ready for the Lighters

Mine Parts

(87)

In that hit and run game called Mine-Laying, Time means more than Money,
and Speed is the Factor of Safety, but Athletics is the Guarantee of Teamwork, and
that is the Road to Success.

Captain Belknap realized this when the Mine Squadron arrived in Scotland, and
steps were taken to organize athletics. Lieutenant Hewlett of the Baltimore was
appointed Squadron Athletic Officer, with a representative on each ship. The task of
publishing an Athletic Bulletin was undertaken and Ensign W. P. Hanson of the
Baltimore appointed Editor. This paper was published in real newspaper style, every
ten days, and sent throughout the force to thousands of eager fans.

Baseball was the feature of organized sport, especially through the summer months,
and quite naturally held the center of the stage. With the exception of the San Fran-
cisco and the Baltimore, none of the planters had the necessary baseball equipment, but
that couldn't put a damper on the sport. When the schedule had been arranged, base-
ball diamonds were ready at Inverness and Invergordon, and the required equipment
was being rushed from the States.

The season commenced on July 4th, at both Bases, with 12 teams competing, and
before the baseball gear had been stowed away in winter quarters a total of 1 76 league
games had been played, which speaks well for teams 3000 miles from home, playing
in a country new to the sport. The original schedule called for 396 games, but Scottish
mist, coupled with our hastened activities in the North Sea, made that ambitious pro-
gram impossible.

The league provided all the excitement that could be desired, and each team was
supported by as loyal a group of fans as ever downed an umpire. It was a hot race
from start to finish and the keenest sportsmanship prevailed throughout, as can be
evidenced from the present battle-cry of the Scotchmen of Inverness and surround-
ings— " Baseball forever."

(88)

The standing of the teams :

Ship

Games Played

Won

Lost

Percentage

CANONICUS

20

15

5

.750

SAN FRANCISCO

17

12

5

.706

HOUSATONIC

18

12

6

.667

BLACK HAWK

16

9

7

•563

ROANOKE

13

7

6

•538

BALTIMORE

14

7

7

.500

SHAWMUT

18

9

9

.500

AROOSTOOK

13

5

8

.384

QUINNEBAUG

14

5

9

•357

CANANDAIGUA

15

4

II

.267

TUGS

4

I

3

.250

SARANAC

14

3

II

.214

Boat racing, boxing, wresth'ng, track and field sports were given much attention.
The morning of July 4th found swarms of pulling boats lining up to the Stake Boats
at Base 17, each ship being represented by a crew in the four race boat classes on a
mile course. It was one big cheer from start to finish, with an added cheer when the
contesting crews passed their ships on the way to the finish line. The afternoon of
July 4th hundreds of American and British sailors gathered at the Admiralty Recrea-
tion Grounds at Invergordon to watch track and field sports of the Yankee Mine Force,
and it was estimated that 3000 townspeople were present at the Northern Meeting
Grounds in Inverness to see the big games of the Mine Squadron at Base 18.

The Labor Day program was a repetition of all this. The Shawmut's boat crews
swept the waters of Inverness Firth and her field and track teams made a similar
clean-up at the Northern Meeting Grounds. At the Invergordon base the Baltimore
headed the list.

A golf tournament for officers was held and about 20 competitors entered. The
match continued for a month and was finally won by Ensign Seward W. Webb of the
Roanoke. A big tennis tournament was also planned and about 15 games were played,
but rain and cold weather prevented its continuance.

Football was next on the program, and old scores of the baseball diamond were
to be redeemed, but the cessation of hostilities and the early departure of the Mine
Squadron for home put an end to what would have been the climax of Mine Force
athletic activities. However, it was proved beyond a doubt that the Mine Force made
as much of a success of its athletic program as it did of its famous Mine Barrage in
the North Sea.

(89)

P7

Any man who fought in the Mine Force knows the

At Base i8, the Y. M. C. A. rented the Northern
Meeting Hall, the historic festival place of all North
Briton, and located in the center of the city of Inverness.
A spacious hut was built at Invergordon for the ships
at Base 17.

These were the headquarters for all hands while on
liberty, and reading matter, eats, and music were abun-
dant. Many entertainments were given and the men
of the Force were certainly at home. The voluntary
services rendered by the ladies of both Bases in our in-
terest at the Y. M. C. A.'s will always be a pleasant
memory. Here's to them, one and all !

90

FOURTH LIBERTY LOAN

21 October 1918

The Mine Force Fourth Liberty Loan Drive is over.
The total amount subscribed is $332,800.00 distributed
among 6732 men, a per capita subscription of $49.44.

This is an excellent showing. The Mine Force
Liberty Loan Agent feels that it is a matter for intense
pride that the officers and men of the Mine Force have
responded to the Nation's need of money in the manner
in which they have. These wonderful figures, however,
would not have been possible, had it not been for the
active and hearty co-operation of the individuals in the
Force as a whole, and the Force Liberty Loan Agent
extends to each individual subscriber, as well as to those
who would have subscribed, had their means permitted
it, the most hearty congratulations.

An outstanding feature of the Drive was the conduct
of the U. S. S. Shaivmut. On the opening day of the
Drive, that vessel reported a loo per cent subscription —
362 officers and men subscribing $36,200. This notable
example undoubtedly led the way to the rest of the ves-
sels, and good-naturedly spurred them on to reach the
100 per cent goal, which was ultimately attained by the
Patuxent.

Many of the men in the Mine Force who subscribed
did so at a sacrifice. Many others were willing to make
the same sacrifice, but it was considered that the small
amount left due them from the Paymaster, after deduc-
tion for payment for the bond had been made, would not be sufficient to meet their current
expenses. It was with especial regret that men with this fine spirit were denied the privilege of
subscribing.

The conduct of the men in the Mine Force during this Drive — their ready whole-hearted
generous response, is in keeping with the best traditions of the Naval service. It is typical that
men of the American Navy should bend not only their utmost physical efforts, but that they
should not spare any effort of any description, physical, mental, moral, financial or otherwise
to hasten the only end to the present conflict that is acceptable to them as Americans.

Let the subs come out — and the Mine Force will hand them a little " Christmas present"
in the shape of a $332,800 sphere full of T-N-T that will loosen a few of their rivets.
Standing of the Mine Force at the close of the drive was as follows:
Totul Per

Subscribed Capita
NO.

1

PATUXENT

$ 7,950

$108.90

0

SHAWMUT

38,400

95.76

3

CANONICUS

39,850

91.19

4

PATAPSCO

4,850

69.29

5

HOUSATONIC

28,200

64.53

6

AROOSTOOK

23,600

60.68

7

BLACK HAWK

29,150

54.38

8

QUINNEBAUG

22,300

51.71

9

BASE 17

53,350

47.55

10

CANANDAIGUA

18,050

41.08

11

SARANAC

13,900

33.74

12

SAN FRANCISCO 13,850

31.34

13

ROANOKE

11.500

26.02

14

BASE 18

28.350

25.34

TOTAL

.$332,800

$49.44

C. BULMER,

Captain, United States Navy,

Liberty Loan Agent, Mine Force.

(91)

IM Hot PeRMlTTEDl
To TfeLL OMCUEj
H S^ PHI NX HR^
hothin' on KE •

BUT DONT EVER

TRKE R PLERSURE __

ohth^ North Sen.^i

THE RENOWNeo
fAlNlHG SQORDRON
OF THE O.S.H.

(the Silent Nnw)

Two ImvincibleS 1

(92)

(93)

iNTKl)

i — r^sr^ ^

:^=i|:

.4 ^-

-^-

-^-

J^*^

■^r=t-

-^t=:t-

^0—B-

:1=

i

:^=X

1=5=5^

i^is-r^T-

:«=«:

1^

-:=\-

^i~

Chorus

(94)

THE FORCE OF MINE

We sailed across the water,

We sailed across the foam.
For fourteen da3's and fourteen nights

We sailed away from home.
But now three thousand miles away

We love our country more,
Let's give three cheers for Uncle Sam

From off the German shore.

Chorus
It's a mine here and a mine there.
Over the ocean everywhere.
Now our ships can cross the sea
And win the war for Liberty ;
Uncle Sammy brought his ships
To France' and Belgium's shores.
That force of mine has done its share;
We've fixed the U-Boat fair and square ;
When victory comes they'll all declare
That mines have won the war.

We may not look like dreadnaughts,

But from all the present signs
Davy Jones has told the Kaiser

That we're there on laying mines.
Awhile ago, the subs you know

Thought they had the gravy.
But. when they hit our mine fields, oh!

They leave the German Navy.

Chorus
It's a mine here and a mine there.
Over the ocean everywhere.
Now our ships can cross the sea
And win the war for Liberty,
For Yankee Doodle laid his mines.
And got the U-Boats sore;
And after America's army came,
We showed them how to play the game ;
To Berlin, Victory, and to Fame —
That's how we won the war.

(95)

1 1 November, 191 8.

From : C. M. F.
To: A. S. P.

Time: 10.05 ^- ^•

The Armistice is signed.

Hostilities are to be suspended forthwith. All anti-
submarine defence measures in force to insure the secur-
ity of men-of-war at sea or in harbor are still to remain
in force until further orders. Submarines on surface
are not to be attacked unless their intentions are obvious.

0935-

(F)

Armistice Day

(96)

THE YANKEE MINING SQUADRON

1. A great offensive we've begun
By going out to strafe the Hun,
Putting the submarines on the bum.
In the Yankee Mining Squadron.

(Chorus)
Away! Awaj! depth charge and gun.
They'll have no chance against the Hun.
Our mines have ended all their fun.
Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

2. The Admiral, Sir, K. C. M. G.,
Is making it safe for democracy

By dropping pills in the old North Sea
From the Yankee Mining Squadron.

3. "Afraid we're late; canst mine by dark?"
The boss sat up and gave a bark.

" Get out of the way, you d — d old ark,
For the Yankee Mining Squadron."

4. The Commodore leads us, straight and true,
In battle, — whatever there is to do.

To victories, ever fresh and new,
Of the Yankee Mining Squadron.

5. The Commodore's on the bridge, rampant;
We've a hundred thousand mines to plant;
Just try to sleep: you'll find you can't,

In the Yankee Mining Squadron.

6. The 'Frisco and the Baltimore,

The ships that won the Spanish War,
Will fight for many a long year more
With the Yankee Mining Squadron.

7. The Baltimore was the first away.
She traveled a thousand miles a day
To show the Allies the lively way
Of the Yankee Mining Squadron.

8. The Housa and the Roanoke,
Adrift at sea with rudder broke,
Were saved by nauseating smoke
Of the Yankee Mining Squadron.

9. The Housa says Canonicus

Plants all the mines that raise a fuss,
'Till the whole North Sea is in a muss
'Round the Yankee Mining Squadron.

10. The Canandaigua, so they say.

Would always anchor in Beauly Bay,
And certainly there when golf's to play,
In the Yankee Mining Squadron.

11. The Shawmut and the Aroostook,

The flyers from Boston to Sandy Hook,

To climb their bridges would stump Doc Cook,

Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

12. The Quinnebaug and the Saranac,
The sister ships with the funny stack,
They amble out and toddle back
With the Yankee Mining Squadron.

13. The sweeping up! Ye gods, what muck!
(The Quinnebaug quickly passed the buck.)
The Huns that try it are out of luck.

Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

14. " Oh ! who is the name of the small steamboat? "
Sonoma, the smartest thing afloat!

She goes for the subs and gets their goat.
Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

15. "Oh! give us a lift," the wreckers said.
Ontario went to Kinsale Head

And rescued the cripples away from the dead —
Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

16. Patuxent and Patapsco, too,

Went out three times the mines to view,
And helped unite the bases two,
For the Yankee Mining Squadron.

17. The fourteenth, " Vampire," leading hound,
Will drive the subs to watery ground.
We're always happj' when they're around
The Yankee Mining Squadron.

i8. The " Vampire " now is standing in,
The Squadron moves by seven ten.
No party by Sambo and Brandy Gin
For the Yankee Mining Squadron.

19. The Black Hawk lies at Base Eighteen,
She helps us to repair and clean
From underwear to ice machine.

Oh! the Yankee Mining Squadron.

20. Except for the mountains of T N T
The Bases are safe as afternoon tea.
For they never have to go to sea
With the Yankee Mining Squadron.

21. His army whipped, and his navy, too.
We turn our back on the Kaiser's crew,
And sail away to home and YOU,

In the Yankee Mining Squadron.

(97)

i'.-»»*'j!ls>» 'w » ''^i?^^ "•£■,' ." *,

To

Our Sixth Battle Squadron

Who Screened Us While We Planted

The Garden

(98)

50 Palmerston Place,
_^.-^^ Edinburgh, N. B.,

^"'^'^ 13 November, 19 18.

Dear Captain Belknap :

I felt I must write and congratulate you on the fact that the Yankee Mining
Squadron will now be able to return home, having taken an honourable part in the
great war. My congratulations to \o\x all from myself and the 14th Flotilla, and I
trust H. M. Government will not forget to give honour to you and your fine fellows
in the Squadron. Please convey my best wishes to your officers and men in a general
signal, "The 14th Flotilla send greetings to the Yankee Mining Squadron and wish
them a pleasant passage home and a real good time when they get there, and will see

them go with regret."

Yours very sincerely,

H. R. Godfrey.

"The U. S. Mine Squadron thanks the 14th Flotilla for Its kind
message and returns the greeting most cordially, wishing that the officers
and men of the Flotilla may fully enjoy a well-earned leave. The Squadron
will always remember the Flotilla and will look forward to renewing a most
agreeable association."

Going After the Hun

(99)

VIVA AMERICA!

THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATIONS
To commemorate the landing of the Pil-
grim Fathers on New England soil, al-
most 300 years ago, American citizens,
wherever they may be found, celebrate in
their own way, the anniversary of that
event. The Day was not forgotten in In-
verness, where so many of our brethren
from overseas are located at present, and
two days have been given over to celebra-
tions.

On Thursday evening the American
naval officers and other guests were enter-
tained to dinner in the Station Hotel by
the S.N.O., H.M. Naval Depot, Inverness —
Captain Rowley. In addition to American
guests, the following among many others
received invitations: — The Provost, the
Senior Bailie, minister of the High
Church, Bishop Maclean, Priest in Charge,
R.C. Church; minister of the U.F. Church,
County Chief-Constable, Burgh Chief-
Constable, Town Clerk, Town-Clerk-
Depute, the Resident Medical Officer of
Health, General Manager, H.R.; Traffic
Manager, do., &c., &c. The toast of the
President of the United States was given
by Captain Rowley, replied to by Admiral
Strauss, U.S. Navy, who, in proposing
" The King," said Britain had a King
unswerving in his devotion, an example of
patriotism, surrounded by wise counsel-
lors. In the absence of the Lord-Lieuten-
ant of the County through illness, the
toast of " The Services " was given by Dr.
William Mackay, acknowledged on behalf
of the U.S. Navy by Captain Belknap, for
the British Navy by Commander Rankin,
R.N., while Major Matheson, Cameron
Highlanders, spoke for the British Army.
In a graceful speech, the toast of the
Burgh of Inverness was proposed by Cap-
tain Cluverius, U.S.N., who declared that
in five months the names of Tomnahurich,
Kessock, and Munlochy had come to be
written indelibly on American hearts.
Provost Macdonald said we were proud to
have the Americans among us, and they
would be much missed when they had to
leave us.

Later in the evening British naval offi-
cers entertained American naval officers
at a ball held in the Northern Meeting
Rooms, the scene of so many brilliant
functions of the kind for well over a hun-
dred years. Mrs. David Logan's band and
an American ship band supplied the
music.

(100)

From : Rear Admiral, Invergordon.

To: Commander Mine Force, Base i8.

Date: 2d December, 1918. No. 058.

Departure of Ships of U. S. Mine Force from Invergordon.

On the departure of the ships of the U. S. Mine Force from this port
I desire to express to you my high appreciation of the friendly and cordial
spirit in which the Commanding Officers and all ranks and ratings of that
Force have co-operated and assisted in the work of this Base with regard to
all matters in which we have been associated.

2. The relations between the U. S. Officers and men and those of the
Royal Navy have been excellent throughout, and a feeling of friendship has
been established between the two services which will, I believe, prove strong
and lasting.

3. I am glad to be able to inform you that the behaviour of the U. S.
ships' companies on shore has been most praiseworthy, and their good con-
duct on all occasions reflects the highest credit on their state of discipline.

4. I should like to add that the courtesy and good will towards myself
invariably displayed by the Captains and Officers will remain with me a most
pleasant remembrance.

(Sgd.) E. R. Pears,

Rear Admiral.

(101)

Q3cioK](l

flCH FlAlTZ VEL VVUl

LOWD UND 0€,V>) DC
OU SR55ROH vjWO

l.\K£ OOP, OtRV\ V

mmiLo

OF OCR r/\\NE. SVSVA/^O
DON'T HtPPdi TO Stt,
\VS- ^OT \ T\NVS V6.

15 TOO A^OCH Fe.F\ oe^tv^

")

Mo oswouo we- Hflvt- ft
D.rFev^^r^T w«v o. T«vs,viO

THV5, W6_ AR^ NO-r SHOT
PUTTE.P.S , NOV^ RB^ wt.
BOLSME-VVSNe-S, E.\TVie.R.

-<^"^

Hor/ttwaRD bourjo flj MftrOY 0the:p»5 Of Thl\^
ttirvo Thought Ut^-t ^/VE,f^t^, — (^r>)o \Ve,H£».

LONG W\LL
THt. L.RST
TR»P.

LlNGE.9>v \N
OVJH

JULY FOURTH, 1918

Message from Senior British Naval Officer, Inverness, to
Commander Mine Force.
" All ranks and ratings tender to officers and men of the United States naval forces
under your flag the heartiest greeting on Independence Day, and to you their loyal
cooperation in your determination to bring the w^ar to a successful issue."

Messages exchanged at Scapa Flow while Mine
Squadron passed between the British Squadron and
by the interned German fleet.

9:30a.m. To: Admiral First Battle Squadron.
Via: H. M. S. Canada.
From: Commander Mine Squadron One.
Captain Belknap presents his compliments and regrets that his
movement orders do not permit paying his respects in person to Admiral
Madden. The U. S. Mine Squadron sends congratulations upon the
great success that has brought about this unprecedented spectacle, 0919.

From : Admiral Madden.
To: Captain Belknap.
Thank you for your 0919. I wish the Mining Squadron speedy
return home and have much regret in parting with such a splendid

force.

From : Captain Belknap.
To : Admiral Madden.
Many thanks for your kind message. The Mine Squadron has
much enjoyed its duty with the Grand Fleet and is much honored by

the association.

From: Admiral Madden.
'^I'o : Captain Belknap.
Thank you. For your hilarious mining squadron, a speedy trip
home and have much regret in parting with such a brave bunch.

Grand Fleet at Scapa

(104)

The Surrendered Fleet

(106)

Speech of Admiral W. S. Sims, U. S. Navy

on board U. S. S. SAN FRANCISCO Flagship

of Mine Squadron One at Portland, England

12 December, 1918

The commanding officers, all other officers that could be spared, and 25 men from
each mine planter, were assembled on board the San Francisco at 9.15 a. m. and at 9.30
Admiral Sims, accompanied by Captain Twining and Commander Babcock, came on
board. His flag was flown on board during his stay. All the men being mustered aft
and the officers assembled on the poop. Admiral Sims spoke from the break of poop
as follows:

" I am sorry that it happened I brought you out on a day like this, but I wanted
to say something to you before you go away. I realize perfectly well that I have not
been able to visit the mining forces as much as would have been desired. I hope that
you have not felt at all slighted by it. Perhaps all of you don't know the extent of the
Navy's activities on this side. Besides your bases, we have about 30 others, between
75,000 and 80,000 people and 5000 officers over here, and all sorts of business to be
transacted with the Navy Departments of the Allies. I would have been very glad to
visit you frequently. I want you, however, to understand we have kept a close e}'e
on your work and have appreciated it very thoroughly. This mining force has done a
stunt the like of which has not been done in the world before. After we came into the
war we designed a mine, built it, equipped the mine layers, sent them over to this side
and planted more mines in less space of time than any nation in the world ever thought
of doing before. As to the efficiency of the mine barrier, that is something that has not
concerned you so particularly as those who designed it; but the stunt of fitting out the
vessels, learning to handle the mines, planting them, and going through the strenuous
work has been really ttne of the finest stunts the Navy has accomplished on this side.

" There has not been much about it in the papers, because this is one of the things
we didn't want our friends, the Germans, to know anything about. You need not be
afraid, however — it will be thoroughly explained and thoroughly exploited a little bit
later. Now this work has been so successful that it has excited the commendation of
all the Navies on this side. I think that our mine layers that were fitted out for this
purpose are distinctly better than those that have been designed in leisure time of peace.
All our ships of same displacement carried more than twice as many mines and can drop
them successfully going at full speed. As far as I know, the planting of this mine field
has gone on without hitch. I mean in so far as the handling of mines is concerned. If
some of the mines have popped off, that has to do with the design of the very compli-
cated mechanism, with which you men have not been concerned ; but as a nautical stunt,
a piece of seamanship, it has been perfectly successful, and we understand that per-
fectly well.

" Another thing particularly gratifying is that the conduct of the men of the
Mine Force at their bases and at sea has been exemplary. I think one thing that has
impressed itself on this side more than any other is the conduct of our men. They were

(107)

inclined to regard us, when we first came over here, as men out of the wilds of America.
I think they rather wanted to strengthen their police force when we came around.
They found out it was not necessary. Not only have you created a good impression by
your conduct as far as seamanship is concerned, but you have created a splendid impres-
sion socially. We hear it on all sides. I saw your show, the second part of it, in
London the other day. It had anything of its kind I have seen skinned to death. There
isn't another one that holds a candle to it. It is particularly gratifying that the show
included a number of the young girls of Inverness. The show was clean and refined
and splendid in every way. It was a pleasure to go behind the curtain and thank them
and to kiss that wee bit of a girl who used to do the dance. You know the one I mean.

" That good feeling you have been able to show has made this nation understand
the Americans now the way they never did before, and you people understand the
English and Scotch people as you never did before. It makes good feeling on both
sides of the ocean, and to keep the peace of the world we are going to need that feeling
among all the Anglo-Saxons.

" I am sorry that I am not going home with you. I envy you all going home to
your people again. When we shall be able to do it I don't know. Perhaps after the
bulk of our men have been returned. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year ; and when you get back there you can tell them all about it. You need not
feel that you have to tell them you did the whole thing. Just tell them a straight story
and you may be more than satisfied with that. I thank you for your attention."

Reply by Captain R. R. Belknap, Squadron Commander,
to Admiral W. S. Sims

" I wish to thank you. Admiral, for all you have said and to say that the Mine
Squadron has felt the greatest honor in serving under you and is very proud to have
the flagship hoist your flag even for only a few minutes."

GOOD BYf AT PADDINGTON

(108)

hlLT— V/HV DO THEV CMLL youcj SHlPi
COS- Tb^CAUjE THE/ LKYniNESAND

Have mine hatcHej?

(109)

A Quiet Day in the Orknies

(110)

THE RAIDERS OF THE NIGHT

We are the Mine Force Squadron One,
The " Choosers of the Slain,"

Guards of the Marches of the North,
And Keepers of the Main.

At fall of dusk we softly steal
From out each firth; and forth.

Seeking the aid of night's dark tide.
To strike hard from the North.

Weapons deadly with menace blind

Deep hid in our bowels lie,
To trap the Hun should he venture forth.

Or block him should he fly.

Nightly the North Sea knows our screws
By their muffled, careful beat,

While we strew the sudden death unseen
For our foes' unwary feet.

Until the world is safe again,
And each Boche crime set right,

The Hun shall know no mercy from
The " Raiders of the Night."

(111)

Inverness Castle

The Islands

i

.^iS

.■";-''.*'"

■

i'^ ' ■

mi

1^

1

* -^^^B

F -^^

1

High St., Inverness

Inverness

Inverness

(112)

THE CRUISE OF THE QUINNEBAUG

You may talk of tramps and scows,

Raise a lot of bloomin' rows,

On the virtues of the schooner and the tow-boat,

But when it comes to motion

On the old Atlantic Ocean

This Quinnebaug is sure some little row-boat.

In the days before the war

The torpedo boats they bore

A " rep " for diggin' deep and hittin' high spots.

But of all the bloody steamers

That fly commission streamers.

This Quinnebaug could trim 'em all in dry dock.

Chorus
Then its roll, roll, roll.
You big hunka junk, just pitch and roll.
And the twentieth century sailors,
Like a bunch of tanked up tailors,
Feed the fish while you roll, and roll, and roll.

She is dirty, damp and musty,

All her bolts are loose and rusty.

Her plates are warped, her stanchions sadly twisted,

Her brightwork's always dusty.

Her compartments always crusty

Her mast to starboard, stack to port, is listed.

Her engine's old and creaky —

Her foc'sdeck is leaky.

But her Vaps would make the angels start a-ravin',

For a measely little quarter

Of a bucket of fresh water

Is the limit that we get to wash and shave in.

Then its baug, baug, baug.

You pack o' worn out spare parts, Quinnebaug,

You should be in my opinion

With the rest of " Old Dominion " —

In a cozy stall in Hades, Quinnebaug.

(113)

Invergordon

Near Invergordon

Alness, Near Base 17

Boom Defense, Invergordon

The Roads are Full of Them

The Gate

(114)

"CENSORED"

Base Eighteen, Somewhere in Scotland,
Dear HIHI^^^HHI

I'm writing long and stead'ly, have to keep up with my mail, for they all chime in
the medley, " let me hear your long, sad tale! " Tho I'm weary with the punching
out of self-historic " dope," still I sit here puffing, munching, on a thrupence canteen
" rope " for I have to write to you, dear, tho the rest are " S. O. L." and altho there's
nothing new here, I will do my best to tell how I helped the Allied nations to subdue
the vandal Hun and by sundry demonstrations, proved the job could be well done.

So I puff a few more smoke rings, then I look into the haze ; and there pictured
are some sad things that have happened in past days. Now, I see the Kaiser weeping,
and his fam'ly weeping too, and I ask him what is keeping all the Hohenzollerns blue.
So he answers, while I list'ning, take it down in plain short-hand, while he tells me,
tear-drops glist'ning, why the royal bunch was canned :

" 'Tis your blocking of the North Sea with your cursed Yankee mines that has
spoiled a certain vic'try and upset our fell designs. Time there was, when ruthless
U-boats, with my chosen pirate crews, had the Allied men-o'-war's ' goats ' and there
wasn't much to choose 'tween a slow and sure starvation or a grim defeat on land for
the French and British nations 'til ' Sim's Circus ' took a hand.

" First, we didn't realize it ; thought that things would go the same and, took
pains to advertise it, you folks couldn't ' queer ' our game. But we noticed, as the
months passed, all reports grew mighty slim of ship sinkings, in grim contrast to the
days when, in good trim, we were sinking liners faster than the ship-yards turn them
out. * Now we're faced with this disaster; next 'twill be our armies' rout for we keep
our people's temper quiet by the news at sea and, as long as I am Emp'ror, slinging bull
is up to me.'

" When we heard you'd mined the North Sea, we sent out our boats to sweep
but they never came back to me, for their bodies glut the deep. Seems that these were
not the same kind as the British laid before and I curse the Yank who designed such a
bolt to fit my door. No more subs came home to cheer me with some bit of hellish
news and I see it now too clearly ; everything I had — I lose ! For the Yanks have put
quietus on me and my craven sons ; soon old Satan comes to meet us, with ' no mercy
for the Huns! ' But I still maintain, and rightly, I'd have won out in my course,
were it not (here censored slightly) for your $??? — verdammt Mine Force! "

Thus he finished somewhat sadly and I saw his point of view; saw we hadn't done
so badly in our efforts to subdue him and his piratic minions, and we haven't worked in
vain, for the German Eagle's pinions are fast bound in mine-wrought chains.

Now you know what I've been doing, in my absence from your side, and the
trouble we were brewing for the Huns; you can decide whether I have dodged my
duty, shirking, as a draft-evading slob, or put in my service working, as befits,

Your friend,

A. Gob.

(115)

Mines Coming !

A Mine Carrier

A Pilot

The Olympia Arriving at Archangel

Just Dropped

(116)

btai'ding Out

Another Escort

One of the Escort

H. M. S. New Zealand
Flagship Supporting Force

One of the Supports

The Flotilla

(117)

NEW VOfVM TOWt-J
(VE.vv'VO(\v\ TOW^>

rvtw voft<^ TOWN

TMRTS WHe-^e- »

OH 0OY I CRN
BUWOiT HtiaFV

FIGH-V\r\l' WIT

TH' NE.V6H

BO

Tf-y tN' TR PO

(VI RUE. nf\E. H0N1E-J

yicKv tn sonoE.

THIN?

SlGN\lMG THE. l=lP.fV\E.STB.\CE SorV,e.ONL

5n»o vM.e. wE/Wt, uE.Piv\r«c fotv the-

5TRTE-S INW PMY OR 50 WND tve,P.Y-

YOOf^S TRULY.
U.S. S.SRf\Rr»F»c..

/7 myyj^snN 0.

North 'dI^R

(118)

Escort Screening Flagship

Planting

A Premature

Attack

(119)

GLEANED FROM THE CENSOR

". . . . I would send you a picture of myself in kilts, only
can't, due to censorship regulations, as it might give away our
location."

" Please go and see a good show on me and I will give you
the money for the seats when I get home. Would send the
money to you, but our letters pass through so many censors, am
afraid you wouldn't get it."

TWO REQUESTS FOR RELEASE

". . . . My reasons being that the purpose for which I en-
listed has been accomplished, namely, helping to save the world
from the Hun and that I have waiting for me on the outside a
wife, a job, and a chance to get ahead."

". . . . I have mules and oxens at home on my father's
hands to take care of and he is getting old."

(120)

Ready for the Last Leg of the Run Home

Fast Run of Mine Planters.
The U. S. S. Shawmut, Capt. W. T. Cluverius, U. S. N., and the
U. S. S. Aroostook, Capt. J. H. Tomb, U. S. N., of the Mine Force,
arrived in Hampton Roads, Va., with homeward bound pennants flying
on Dec. 27, after a fast run of twelve and one-half days from Portland,
England, via the Azores and Bermuda. These ships are twenty-knot
mine planters, were fitted out at the Boston Yard, and form the Third
Division of Mine Squadron No. 1, which laid the North Sea Barrage.
The other ships of the squadron are returning by the northern route.

;-et in Ponta Delgada

Christmas Day at
Bermuda

Ponta Delgada, Azores

(121 )

Hospital Ship from Grand Fleet

Hospital at Strathpeffer

The Wreck of the Natal, Invergordon

(122)

THE MINE LAYERS

The sun comes from the Northern Sea,
O'er Scotland's rocky harbor walls,

And sees ten gorgeous banners rise,

While ten bronzed bo'sn's pipe their calls.

Ten valiant ships, by twos alike.
With terrible resolve have come.

To close high seas to Teuton wolves,
The U. S. Mining Squadron One.

Seaworthy craft, whose peaceful lines,
From monster guns and armor free.

With war paint to confuse the eye
Betwixt the sky and tossing sea.

Here forty hundred sailors dwell.

Our wartime homes are ships of steel,

Called from all planes and walks of life,
To serve mankind and public weal.

Across this northern passage way.
From tossing wave to ocean's floor,

From Norway's coast a chain of death
We stretched to Orkney's rugged shore.

And other well-laid snares were set.
To trap the cruel Hunnish knave;

His wreckage silent witness bore
Of death upon the restless wave.

We go not forth to meet the foe

Who have not, will not, fight like men ;

We trap the wolves who scourge the sea,
And keep him in, or from, his den.

Though weather fair or foul may be
A hidden trail of death we make.

Perdition takes the enemy

Who luckless dares our silent wake.

The blow of roaring ocean wave
The sudden dart of coward's might

We brave with faith and courage high
Because we serve the God of Right.

Now praise to gallant Godfrey's craft.
Manned by the sturdy British tar,

Our guardians throughout danger's path.
Aye, warding peril from afar.

When Truth spreads History's pages o'er
With deeds that triumphed o'er the Hun,

One force will shine as none before —
The U. S. Mining Squadron One.

(123)

JAiler alUtkeres no dirl c^.f 1 1
g ' f ' like tke AmnericaiL 4ilfI i "|^.

iiiiiiiiiHiiiilnN^fniiiiiiiiiJniiiiiHiliiiiiiiiviiiiiiniiiniiuiiihiiiiiiiiiiii^

(124)

HOME AND FAME

Extract from The Times-Herald:

Newport News, Va.,

2 January, 19 19.

SIX MINE PLANTERS BACK FROM
WAR ZONE

Six mine planters, which have been doing service in
foreign waters for the past two years, have arrived in
Hampton Roads. They are the SHAWNOCK,
AROSTOK, HOUSTANIC, ROANOKE, QUIV-
ENDELAY, and CONDULOY. The BALTI-
MORE, SARANAC, CONICUS, FRANCIS are
expected here in a day or two.

The battleships CONNECTICUT and MASSA-
CHUSETTS are also in the Roads.

(125)

THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Captain W. T. CLUVERIUS, U. S. N.
Chairman

Lieutenant A. I. FLYNN, U. S. N.

Lieutenant J. R. FRAWLEY, Pay Corps, U. S. N.
Lieutenant W. T. SPENCER, Medical Corps, U. S. N.
H. G. FLUCKE, Seaman Signalman 2nd Class, U. S. N. R. F.
A. VICTOR BEALS, Painter 1st Class, U. S. N. R. F.

(126)

(127)

WprSfg^

date

''^"^Pedhel

ow.

/HA

^'^^Ll

'i^^ 51952 Lu

S16)47Q

THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA LIBRARY